Sky Sports pundit issues challenge to Lee Gregory after Sheffield Wednesday's play-off near miss

Sheffield Wednesday will need Lee Gregory to be at the peak of his powers if they are to secure promotion to the Championship next season. That is the belief of Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman after the Sheffield-born striker was named the League One player of the month for April.

Gregory bagged seven of Wednesday's 14 goals last month to help fire the Owls into the play-offs. The 33-year-old grabbed a memorable hat-trick in the come-from-behind win at Fleetwood Town but also scored against AFC Wimbledon, Milton Keynes Dons, Crewe Alexandra and Portsmouth.

But despite Gregory's strong end to the campaign, the Owls came up short in the play-offs as Sunderland prevailed 2-1 on aggregate over two legs. Gregory registered in the second leg at Hillsborough before Patrick Roberts' match-winning late strike.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Lee Gregory wins April League One award but Darren Moore misses out

Goodman said: “Although ultimately not to be, Gregory’s goals across March, April and indeed May were the spearhead of Wednesday’s promotion push and again proved his class as a goal-scorer at this level. His movement and finishing ability are up there with the most valuable skills a striker can possess and Wednesday will need him firing again next season if they are to go one better.”

Gregory, recruited on a free transfer last summer, finished the Owls' leading marksman with 17 goals in 39 outings across all competitions. He also laid on five assists.

“You always want your number nine scoring goals and we’re lucky to have seen that from Lee this season," said Wednesday manager Darren Moore. “He fully deserves this award after so much consistency, he’s brought bags of experience into our dressing room.”

Gregory is the second